The Dallas Cowboys’ training camp has hit a rough patch, with injuries piling up on their offensive line. In a span of just two days, the team lost two key players, raising concerns about depth as the season looms. But a golden opportunity has emerged in free agency, and it’s one that could seamlessly plug the gap with a player already familiar with Dallas’ system.
On Sunday, veteran guard Rob Jones, who had been anchoring the first-team offense after joining Dallas this offseason, suffered a devastating setback with a broken bone in his neck. The injury dealt a blow to the Cowboys’ interior line stability. Then, on Monday, starting left tackle Tyler Guyton went down with a fractured knee, potentially sidelining him for up to six weeks. With two linemen out, Dallas is scrambling to shore up their front.
Enter Will Hernandez, a seasoned offensive lineman who just announced he’s “medically cleared” following a knee injury of his own in 2024. Hernandez posted a video sharing the good news, signaling he’s ready to return to the field. What makes Hernandez an intriguing option for Dallas? His prior connection to the Cowboys’ coaching staff.
Hernandez spent two seasons under Klayton Adams, the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach, who now serves as Dallas’ offensive coordinator. That familiarity means Hernandez could hit the ground running, quickly adapting to Adams’ scheme without the steep learning curve most free agents face. It’s a plug-and-play scenario that could stabilize the Cowboys’ line during this injury crisis.
OFFICIALLY CLEARED!! 🏈 pic.twitter.com/GdKVLPgk3q
— Will Hernandez (@willhernandez76) July 29, 2025
While Hernandez wouldn’t directly replace Guyton at left tackle, his versatility offers flexibility. If Guyton’s recovery hits a snag, Hernandez could slide into the left guard spot, allowing standout Tyler Smith to shift to tackle—a move Dallas would prefer to avoid but could execute if needed. Keeping Smith at guard is the ideal scenario, but having options is never a bad thing.
More importantly, Hernandez’s experience could fill the void left by Jones’ injury. Before his setback, Jones was pushing rookie Tyler Booker, providing veteran competition to sharpen the young lineman. Hernandez, with his proven track record and familiarity with Adams’ system, could step into that role, mentoring Booker while adding depth and reliability to the interior line.
The Cowboys aren’t strangers to navigating injuries, but the timing of these setbacks couldn’t be worse. With Hernandez available and already versed in the playbook, Dallas has a chance to turn a potential crisis into an opportunity. Signing him could be the emergency fix they need to keep their offensive line—and their season—on track.